Essex County Prepares for 38th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival

As the cherry blossom trees prepare to bloom, Essex County prepares to host its annual Cherry Blossom Festival.

The 38th annual Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival is set to begin April 5, as announced in a statement by Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. Along with the various cherry blossom trees that surround the landscape of Branch Brook Park, various events and festivities throughout Newark and Belleville have been scheduled.

DiVincenzo says that the festival will also celebrate other aspects of culture.

“This spring, Essex County will celebrate the importance of art, history and culture with our annual Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival,” DiVincenzo said. “The week-long event offers family activities that highlight both the history of the Essex County Park System and Japanese arts and culture.”

Within the upcoming festival, there will be walks, runs and bike races.

During the Cherry Blossom Festival, the park receives many visitors, as it does throughout the year.

“We welcome hundreds of thousands of people to Branch Brook Park every year for the Cherry Blossom Festival as well as for youth recreation and other activities,” said Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura.

Fontoura even remembers experiencing the festival as a kid.

“As a child, I remember visiting this park to experience the cherry blossoms,” said Fontoura. “It’s a magnificent place.”

Along with the races and walks planned throughout the week, tours will also be available. Cell phone tours will be available for visitors to the park, where they can dial a number and get a short history of the park. Guided tours will be available as well.

The festival marks the start of a new season following the winter weather in the region, according to Branch Brook Park Alliance Co-Chair Barbara Bell Coleman.

“After such a cold winter, we are all ready for a season of renewal,” said Coleman. “This is one of the busiest and most beautiful parks in the state.”